Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - With 2024 just around the corner, AAA is urging those who plan to celebrate the New Year to do so safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the New Year’s holiday consistently ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
In 2021, 13,384 people died nationally in drunk driving crashes. During the Christmas and New Year’s periods that same year, there were 304 drunk driving-related fatalities.
AAA says January 1 has particularly high numbers of alcohol-related traffic crashes and deaths.
“With many people celebrating the New Year and then getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, January 1 is a particularly dangerous day on the roads,” says AAA spokesperson Morgan Dean. “Even one life lost is too many from a completely preventable crime.”
To protect yourself and others on the road, AAA offers the following New Year's Eve safety advice:
• Designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
• Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
• Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
• Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired.
• Put apps or numbers for ridesharing/local cab companies in your phone before heading out for the evening.
• Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages.
• If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).
